Ellerbe Honors Andre The Giant with Roadside Marker

Sat Apr 25 2026 21:28:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The wrestling icon and film star Andre The Giant receives recognition with a new roadside marker in Ellerbe, North Carolina, acknowledging his legacy in both sports and film.

Andre The Giant, a legendary figure in professional wrestling and cinema, is celebrated with a roadside marker in Ellerbe, North Carolina, where he once lived. The community honors his contributions to wrestling and his role in films like 'The Princess Bride.' The unveiling of the marker is a testament to his enduring impact and the love the local community has for this gentle giant.

ELLERBE, N.C. (AP) — The wrestling legend Andre The Giant, famed for his towering presence in the ring and his gentle demeanor on screen, was honored with a roadside marker in the community of Ellerbe, North Carolina, where he spent a significant part of his life.

Officials unveiled the marker on Thursday in this small town, with a population of about 1,000, celebrating the legacy of Andre Rene Roussimoff, who made his home on a ranch just outside town.

Roussimoff was billed at an astounding 7-foot-4 and 520 pounds during his wrestling career with the WWE in the 1970s and 1980s. Known as an unbeatable villain in the ring, he gained fame for his iconic match against Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania III in 1987, which marked a turning point for the wrestling industry, transforming it into a nationwide spectacle.

Later in 1987, Roussimoff appeared in the classic film The Princess Bride, portraying the lovable giant Fezzik. His performance endeared him to fans worldwide and showcased his gentler side, in stark contrast to his wrestling persona.

Originally from France, Roussimoff fell in love with the southern United States while wrestling and eventually bought a ranch in North Carolina, where he raised cattle and became a beloved figure in the local community. He was known for his contributions, including standing against the establishment concerning environmental issues in the region.

Roussimoff passed away in 1993 at the age of 46. His remains were cremated, and his ashes were scattered on his ranch, a testament to his love for the land. The new marker, placed at NC Highway 73 and Old NC Highway 220, reads: “Andre The Giant. 1946-1993. Actor and professional wrestler. Born Andre Roussimoff. Known for his role in The Princess Bride in 1987. Lived nearby.”

Wrestler Vladimir Koloff, a close friend of Roussimoff, emphasized the significance of the marker in honoring a man who transformed professional wrestling into an international phenomenon. Koloff recalled, “The world of professional wrestling has given us a larger-than-life icon.”